NAIROBI, KENYA — When it comes to the world of war, the more things change the more they stay the same. Women weep, men bleed and children become orphans. As in ancient times, a collection of modern women have decided that enough is enough – and if they’re men can’t keep their violence under control then they can just keep their penises in their pockets. Thousands of female Kenyan peace activists vowed on Wednesday to keep their thighs firmly together for at least a week in order to make a statement against the country’s violent governmental infighting.
Like the Athenian women in Aristophanes’ play Lysistrata, (“Army-Disbander”) the activists have agreed to refuse their men-folk sexual satisfaction unless they come to their senses and refuse to indulge in the bloody conflict that has been threatening to tear apart the unity of the African nation like it did last year.
According to the Associated Press, the Women’s Development Organization hopes that their boycott will help cool the blood-lust of their men and encourage them to find a peaceful solution to their grievances.
“We have looked at all issues which bring people to talk,” Rukia Subow, chair of the Women’s Development Organization explained,” and we have seen that sex is the answer. It does not know tribe. It does not have a party – and it happens in the lowest households.”
Although it is unknown how well the ploy will work, 11 women’s groups have agreed to take part in the celibacy exercisee – and the wives of both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been encouraged to show their solidarity by taking part, as well.
Given that many Kenyan men are involved in polygamous marriages, the sex strike could be especially harsh on them, what with multiple women in their households all having headaches at the same time.
Sex strikes are unusual in any culture and the motivation for this one includes the more than 1,000 deaths and 600,000 cases of homelessness that resulted from the disputed election resulting in Kibaki’s presidency and Odinga’s loss. A month of mediation resulted in the two being installed in their current positions, but infighting has been a constant threat to the fragile alliance.
Government spokesman Alfred Mutua claimed to be unaware of the strike. His marital status was not revealed.
